Ash and Ember — A shaken agave drink carrying two chili bitters, one smoked and one cocoa-dark

Ash and Ember

A shaken agave drink carrying two chili bitters, one smoked and one cocoa-dark

Number of people

Ingredients

  • 1/2 ozLime Juice
    Fresh
  • 3 dashesChocolate Chili Bitters
    Cocoa underneath the heat, shaken in
    Substitute: A cacao or mole bitters
  • 2 dashesSmoked Chili Bitters
    Dashed on the surface after straining
    Substitute: A chipotle or ancho bitters
  • 3/4 ozPineapple Juice
    Fresh, strained
  • 1 1/2 ozMezcal
    A joven espadín
    Substitute: Blanco tequila, for less smoke
  • 1/4 ozAgave Syrup
    Thinned one to one with water
    Substitute: Simple syrup

Instructions

  1. Shake 1 1/2 oz mezcal, 3/4 oz pineapple juice, 1/2 oz lime juice, 1/4 oz agave syrup and 3 dashes chocolate chili bitters with ice
  2. Strain over fresh ice in a rocks glass
  3. Dash 2 dashes smoked chili bitters across the surface and garnish with a lime wheel

Technique Notes

Dash the smoked chili last, straight onto the surface. Shaken in it merges with the mezcal and reads as more smoke; floated on top it stays a separate layer you meet before the first sip.

Why the Ash and Ember Works

Two chili bitters is one more than any drink needs unless they are doing different jobs, which here they are. The cocoa one goes in the shaker and lands as depth under the agave; the smoked one goes on top and lands as aroma. Swap the order and the drink flattens into generic heat.